A touring healthy living festival introduced Haverhill residents to simple tools to help them stay happy and healthy last week.

Hundreds of people took part in the festival, which started at Clements Primary School.

There, youngsters and staff learned simple stretches to improve flexibility, strength and balance, as well as techniques for staying calm and improving learning.

Claire Garnett yoga outside hall (7253360)

Vicky Hogg, headteacher, said: "It is so important that children come to school ready to learn. To be able to do that they need to be in a good place with their health, their diet and also their mind.

"It’s important for them to be able to control their emotions and to learn how to cope when things don’t go well and know of strategies to help them calm themselves and deal with everyday life."

The festival's main event took place on Friday at Leiston Community Centre.

People of all ages enjoyed a free event, learning about yoga techniques from local instructor Claire Garnett, healthy food demonstrations from author and chef Juliette Bryant, live music and drum circle with Giles Bryant and a talk on mindful living by Peter Anderson.

The event had an arts and crafts area where people created mandalas, an array of stalls from local health professionals and there was delicious and healthy food available in return for donations. The event raised money for local charity Reach Community Projects, to go towards its work in the town.

Giles Bryant, event founder, said: "It is so important to communicate simple, safe and effective ways to help people be healthy and happy. This starts with things like breathing, maximising nutrients, joyful exercise, mindfulness and engaging with your community."